Is Iraq a safe country now?
Country Summary: U.S. citizens in Iraq are at high risk for violence and kidnapping. Terrorist and insurgent groups regularly attack both Iraqi security forces and civilians. Anti-U.S. sectarian militias threaten U.S. citizens and Western companies throughout Iraq.
The Kurdistan region is by far the safest region in Iraq, but there is still high risk of terrorist activity in certain areas. Avoid the areas near the Syrian, Turkish and Iranian borders, as these areas are less safe than the rest of Kurdistan.
Significant armed clashes between protesters, militia groups, and security forces took place in Baghdad's International Zone in August 2022. While protest activity and armed clashes have stopped for the time being, further violence and protest activity is possible.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) advises against all travel to all provinces of Iraq except the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and against all but essential travel to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
Do not travel to Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, due to the volatile security situation and very high risk of violence, armed conflict, kidnapping and terrorist attack.
Iran - Level 4: Do Not Travel
Do not travel to Iran due to the risk of kidnapping and the arbitrary arrest and detention of U.S. citizens.
The main phase of the conflict ended following the defeat of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in the country in 2017, but a low-level ISIL insurgency is ongoing in the rural north parts of the country.
TERRORISM RISK : HIGH
Terrorists are very likely to try and carry out attacks in Baghdad. The biggest threat is coming from the extremist groups like Daesh that are responsible for the majority of attacks. Remain vigilant at all times.
The Coalition Provisional Authority made efforts to modernize Iraq's economy after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, through privatization and reducing the country's foreign debt. But Iraq's economy continued to decline due to an insurgency, economic mismanagement, and oil shortages caused by outdated technology.
WARNING: Travel to Baghdad, Iraq is extremely dangerous and strongly discouraged. See the warning on the Iraq article. Baghdad (Arabic: بـغداد Baġdād) is the capital and largest city of Iraq, with an estimated population of 6-7 million.
Is Iraq still at war?
The main phase of the conflict ended following the defeat of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in the country in 2017, but a low-level ISIL insurgency is ongoing in the rural north parts of the country.
It's an extremely safe region for traveling. Iraqi Kurdistan is perfect for travelers looking for adventure, culture, breathtaking landscapes, learning about less well-known places, want to get to know the most hospitable people in the Middle East.
Do not travel to Syria due to the extremely dangerous security situation. Armed conflict is ongoing and air strikes, kidnappings and terrorist attacks are common. See Safety.